Nursing Program - Occupation Description

Nurses care for the sick and injured and help people stay well. They are most concerned with the whole person, providing for the physical, mental, emotional and
assisting with the spiritual needs of their patients. Opportunities exist to specialize in specific areas: emergency, pediatrics, gerontology, mental health or
schools of nursing. Registered nurses (RN's) and licensed practical nurses (LPN's) usually work eight or twelve hours a day, rotating shifts to cover the needs of
hospitalized patients 24 hours a day, holidays and week-ends. Flexible days off during a 40-hour workweek will vary. Management responsibilities and
opportunities are greater for RN's than that of the LPN role.

Duties and Responsibilities

Talking with patients about their disease and the hospital routines

Preparing patients for surgery

Helping doctors and therapists with treatments

Giving drugs, injections and nursing treatments (LPN's & RN's)

Teaching and counseling patients and families (RN's )

Observing and recording the condition of patients (LPN's & RN's)

Managing complex situations such as impending death of a patient

Attending to basic hygiene needs and doing wound care

Participating in team work, making decisions about patients' care

Employment Opportunities

Summer or part-time work in a hospital or other health facility will provide helpful experience in the nursing profession. Methods of entering nursing include
completing a 2-year or 4-year college degree in nursing and becoming registered in SC as a nurse through the successful completion of the National Council of Licensure
Exam, given upon meeting graduation requirements and the State Board of Nursing requirements.

Earnings and Advancement

Earnings depend on the type of agency and specialty

LPN's work under RN supervision, making $33,000 annually

RN's earn $59,000 or more annually in hospitals

Nurse Practitioner (master's degree nurse) earns $75,000 annually

Students have the option of a Practical Nursing Program for completion in three semesters. Once the student becomes a Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN),
they can register for the LPN to ADN Transition Program (three semesters) and when completed can apply to become a Registered Nurse. The student
can work as a LPN while completing the LPN Transition Program. The LPN-ADN Transition Program provides an opportunity for LPNs to exempt one year
of nursing courses. LPNs meet ADN entrance requirements and take NUR 201 and PHM 115. For more information e-mail Athena Russell (843.661.8264).

Another option for students is to complete the
Associate Degree Program (ADN) to apply to become Registered Nurse. The ADN
Program consists of five semesters. Once a Registered Nurse, students can
further their education by completing a BSN degree while working as a
registered nurse and eventually specialize or obtain a master's degree in
Nursing.

Certified Nursing Assistant Certificate

Program Need

Area nursing homes hire nursing assistants and this
certificate would allow students to apply for the certification exam as a
Certified Nursing Assistant.

Earning and Duties

CNA Certificate graduates earn approximately $23,000 annually.

Duties include making beds, meeting the basic hygiene needs of patients, and assisting patients with daily living activities.

Contact the Continuing Education Department at 413-2715

To investigate your career in nursing, call Nursing (843.661.8264 ) or Admissions (843.661.8289).